Loving Enemies

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. For He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing out of the ordinary? Don’t even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Matthew 5:44‭-‬48 HCSB

I wonder how the disciples felt being told to love their enemies when their whole culture hated their enemies? These words would have been hard to hear then just as they are now.

Our enemies get a social media lashing and verbal abuse at gatherings. When someone you have not seen for a while asks: " How are you going?" Why this is the perfect opportunity to unload! Yet in unloading you further cement the problem, confirms you are a victim and are being bullied by another.

Yet, what is Jesus saying? Step up to another level and forgive, release yourself from victimhood and be like Him, who forgave those who nailed Him to the cross with the words:"forgive them Lord for they know not what they do!"

Once having come away from an unloading session do you feel good? Probably not! Victimhood is not edifying and only further cements a bad heart towards the perceived perpetrator. Lord give us your merciful grace to break the cycle! Amen!